The Best Breast Pump Cups For Lactating Mothers
As a new mom, you're probably juggling a lot of things. You've got a little one who needs to be fed, loved, and changed; your body is still adjusting to the changes it's undergone in pregnancy, and you're trying to keep up with work and home — it's a lot to handle! If you're breastfeeding your baby and want to keep up with their feeding schedule, you must invest in breast pump cups. These cups allow nursing moms to manage their supply, pump exclusively while working out or doing other house chores, and make sure their little ones get all the nutrients they need to be healthy and strong. Featuring a leak-proof lid, these cups also make it easy to store the milk for later use or take it with you on the go. To help you make the purchase, we’ve curated a list of the top-rated breast pump cups of 2024.
A Buyer’s Guide To Finding Quality Breast Pump Cups
Finding the right breast pump cups can be a daunting task. Not only are there hundreds of products to choose from, but there are also a number of considerations that need to be made when choosing breast pump cups. The following guide will help you narrow down your options and find the ideal product for your needs.
Explore Different Types of Breast Pump Cups
From handheld silicone cups to wearable electric pump cups, these breast pump cups are available in a range of styles. If you want to use your breast pump while working out or running errands, a wearable pump cup is all you need. Featuring a discreet profile, wearable pumps are often more comfortable and convenient than other types because they don’t require additional batteries or cords. However, they don’t provide as much suction as other models.
If you plan on using it occasionally around the house or don’t have time to clean your equipment after every use, then a disposable cup might be a better choice for you.
Check compatibility
Not all breast pumps have universal compatibility. Before purchasing any breast pump cup, make sure that it is compatible with your brand of a breast pump. If not, then it might not fit properly into your bottles and cause leakage issues later on.
Check the material
The material used in making breast cups can affect how comfortable they feel against your skin. It should be made from food-grade silicone or rubber—these materials are flexible and durable. They’ll last longer than plastic or glass cups because they’re less likely to break or chip when dropped or thrown into a diaper bag on accident.
Besides material, make sure that your breast pump cup picks the right flange size according to your breast. It should fit snugly around your nipple without pinching or rubbing too hard against sensitive areas, preventing the risk of infection. For enhanced grip, opt for one that comes with a silicone membrane inside its flange.
Go with a leak-proof design
You’ll want a breast pump that’s easy to use and provides a good seal when pumping. A great option is one with a leak-proof design — it will help prevent spillage when you’re pumping on the go or at home. The lid will also keep your milk fresh if you plan to freeze it later on. Also, make sure it comes with an easy pour spout, allowing you to transport the milk without any mess.
Pick one with additional accessories
If you want to make the most out of your purchase, then go with one that comes with additional accessories. These accessories include valves, valve bases, nipple shields, tubing connectors, cleaning brushes, and other useful items that will make your life easier while breastfeeding or pumping milk for your baby.
Top Breast Pump Cups Worth Considering in 2024
Spectra Baby Breast Pump Cup – Best Overall
With Spectra Baby Breast Pump Cups, you can have full control over your pumping experience. Featuring a one-of-a-kind design, these pump cups have a soft silicone duckbill bills valve that helps prevent nipple injury, which means you can pump for hours without worrying about discomfort or pain. Available in 24mm and 28 mm sizes, this pump cup also features a backflow protector membrane that fits onto the bottom of the breast shield, preventing milk from leaking out of your pump during use.
Plus, it comes with a lid that not only keeps the milk inside fresh and safe but also makes it easy to transfer it to the bottle without any mess. Ideal for hand-free pumping, it easily slips into a bra, so you can use it while preparing dinner or getting ready in the morning. Compatible with Spectra breast pumps, these cups have made it easier for new moms to pump discreetly while on the move which is why it stands out among other products on our list.
Pros
- Compatible with Spectra breast pump
- Easy to use
- Available in two different sizes
Cons
- Needs to be cleaned frequently
BabyBuddha Breast Pump Cup – Lightweight Design
The BabyBuddha Breast Pump Cup is a revolutionary tool for busy moms who need to multitask and pump at the same time. The lightweight, portable design can be hung around your neck with the included lanyard, freeing up your hands while pumping. With its extra-quiet operation, you won’t need to worry about waking up your baby or drawing unnecessary attention.
The hygienic design of the pump uses a closed system to ensure that the expressed milk will not be contaminated and is BPA-free for integrity in the milk’s quality. Further, you don’t need to worry about sore nipples thanks to its soft cushion to mimic a baby’s lips, anti-backflow design, and multiple modes that massage and suction the milk. The pump is also incredibly easy to use, with a trackball on the machine that allows you to easily navigate through stimulation and suction modes. This pump is rechargeable so users don’t have to worry about having it powered up while they get things done.
Pros
- Soft cushion included
- Easy to multitask with
- Easy to use
Cons
- Takes time to get set up
Freemie Breast Pump Cup – Best Value
Whether you’re pumping at work or on the go, Freemie Breast Pump Cup will make a great addition to your breast pump accessories. These pumps are made with a blend of medical-grade plastic and BPA-free silicone, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your milk while pumping. It features an internal barrier that prevents backflow protection whereas its spill guard flat base enhances grip while pumping.
What’s more, it has a spill guard finger grip and an easy pour spout that makes it transfer milk into a bottle or storage container without spilling a drop! Available in 25 mm and 28mm flange sizes, these cups can hold eight ounces of milk at once — enough for your baby to drink before bedtime. Plus, it’s compatible with a variety of pumps so you don’t have to worry about switching out parts if you decide to upgrade your pump in the future.
Pros
- Latex, BSP, and BPA free material
- Hold 8 ounces at once
- Leak-free lid for maximum protection
Cons
- Assembly might take some time
Dec-deal-d Breast Pump Cup – Most Portable
If you’re looking for a breast pump that’s ultra-portable and lightweight but also has the power to meet your pumping needs, then the Dec-deal-d breast pump is all you need. Featuring a no-spill technology, this wearable breast pump has three modes and each mode has nine adjustable suction levels that allow you to customize it according to your needs. Plus, it’s ultra-silent! That means nobody will hear a peep while you’re pumping away in public. Since it’s rechargeable with a USB cable, there’s no need to worry about batteries dying in the middle of the pumping session. Weighing only 8.9 ounces, it is highly portable, so you can easily carry it with you.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight design
- Adjustable suction level
- Automatic shutoff feature for maximum safety
Cons
- Generate noise during operation
Momcozy Breast Pump Cup – Most Quiet
Made of food-grade silicone, BPA-free, and skin-friendly material, this Momcozy wearable breast pump is the safest choice for both you and your baby. It features an LCD screen that displays time, level, and battery life. With two pumping modes and nine adjustable levels, this breast pump can accommodate any mom’s needs. It has a 30-minute auto-shutoff timer and a leak-proof design, so you don’t have to worry about overspilling either.
One key feature of this pump is the memory function that saves you from the hassle of customizing it before each pumping session. Thanks to its 50 dB noise level, it’s perfect for new moms to discreetly pump anywhere, anytime. Featuring an adjustable bra buckle and 180 ml cup capacity, Momcozy is perfect for hands-free pumping!
Pros
- Food grade, BPA-free material for health safety
- Built-in adjustable bra buckle
- 1000 mAh battery capacity
Cons
- Do not come with an easy pour spout
Lacti-Cups Breast Pump Cup – Most Convenient
Lacti-Cups Breast Shells are a practical solution for working moms. Designed with color-coded stoppers, these breast pump cups prevent leaks and allow you to catch any letdown while breastfeeding without having to use any pump. It features a flexible design, making it easy to conceal under a lightly padded bra.
Made from food and medical-grade material, the silicone shell fits comfortably over the nipple, preventing sores and cracks. Each lacti-cup holds up to 4-12 oz of milk, so you can store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. Plus, they are reusable and washable so you can use them for a long time.
Pros
- Reusable and shock-resistant
- Features removable stoppers to prevent spills
Cons
- Must be worn with a tight bra or camisole
People Also Asked
A: The best way to clean your breast pump cups is by hand using warm soapy water or in the top rack of your dishwasher (if it has an auto-clean cycle). If you choose the dishwasher, make sure that the temperature is not too high as this could damage the silicone.
A: It depends on how often you plan on using your breast pump. If you're planning on using it multiple times per day or in more than one location like at work or on the go, then it's important to have enough cups on hand so that you don’t run out in the middle of a session. However, if you're only planning on using it once or twice per day, then one set of extra cups will be enough for your needs.
A: The price of breast pump cups varies depending on design, material and size. A basic silicone replacement cup costs about $10-$20 while a more advanced model with a suction source might cost $70 or more.
